Murphy, Mt. Pleasant Answer The Call for Emergency Blood Donations

Valhalla, NY - Nearly 2,000 blood transfusions are needed on a daily basis in New York and New Jersey alone. Because blood can be broken down into components, one pint of blood can save three lives. This year's unpredictable and occasionally crippling winter weather contributed to a shortage of blood donations. To help alleviate the shortage, Senator Terrence Murphy and the Town of Mt. Pleasant sponsored a blood drive at Mt. Pleasant Community Center on February 26 to help the New York Blood Center replenish its blood inventories.

"Someone needs blood every two seconds," said Senator Murphy. "Accidents and medical emergencies do not take a winter break. Much of the blood needed every day is for chronic conditions, such as for cancer patients. Therefore, the demand for blood is constant. This blood drive will aid a lot of people who find themselves in need and do not have the resources to help themselves."
 
"The demand for blood is constant. Donating blood to replenish blood supplies is an important way we can help people in need," said Mt. Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi. "I want to thank Senator Murphy for sponsoring the blood drive as well as the generous and caring members of our community for coming out and supporting it. Their act of kindness will go a long way in helping to save lives."
 
Senior Executive Director Donor Recruitment, Andrea H. Cefarelli, New York Blood Center said, "Winter storms and an unusually severe flu season have impacted blood donations in these last few months. In addition, national tragedies remind us that blood and blood products must be on our shelves prior to any need. We are especially grateful to our blood donors who take time to give life-saving gifts."
 
Founded in 1964, The New York Blood Center serves 20 million people in the greater New York area through partnerships with more than 200 hospitals in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut.